Privacy Policy for Bhashadoot (भाषादूत)

1. Overview & Scope

This Privacy Policy describes how the Directorate of Training, Government of Uttar Pradesh ("we", "us", or "our") collects, uses, processes, and protects your information when you use the Bhashadoot mobile application (Android) and the web portal available at https://bhashadoot.education/.

By installing, accessing, or using the Bhashadoot application, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use the application.

2. Information We Collect

We only collect information strictly necessary to provide and improve the educational and foreign language training features of Bhashadoot:

A. Audio & Voice Input (Microphone Data)

When you use features such as Voice Pronunciation Coach (बोलकर उच्चारण जांच), AI Roleplay (काम पर बातचीत), or interactive spoken quizzes, the app requests access to your device microphone.

• Purpose: To record your spoken sentence and convert it to text using speech-to-text engines to analyze pronunciation accuracy, fluency, and phonetics in target foreign languages (such as UAE Arabic, Japanese, German, Hebrew, etc.).
• Ephemeral Processing: Audio streams are processed in real-time. We do not permanently store raw audio files on our servers. Once phonetic evaluation is completed, the temporary audio buffer is discarded.
• No Background Recording: The microphone is activated only when you explicitly tap the microphone button on the screen. Background recording is strictly disabled.

B. Learning Progress & Telemetry Data

To track your skill progression and provide a personalized learning journey, we store:

• Selected corridor language (e.g., UAE Arabic, Japanese, German, Hebrew, Workplace English, French, Spanish).
• Lesson completion, vocabulary flashcard progress, and quiz scores.
• Daily learning streak and experience points (XP).
• Locally saved preferences (such as speech playback speed: 0.7x or 1.0x).

C. Device & Technical Information

To ensure app stability, compatibility across devices, and deliver critical in-app updates:

• Device model, manufacturer, and operating system version (e.g., Android 14/15/16).
• Application version name and version code (e.g., 1.0.1+7).
• Internet connectivity status (to toggle between offline curriculum and online AI services).
• Crash logs and non-personally identifiable diagnostic information.

3. Device Permissions & Explicit Justifications

In accordance with Google Play Developer Policies, below is the complete disclosure of Android permissions utilized by Bhashadoot:

4. Third-Party Services & Subprocessors

Bhashadoot integrates with reputable third-party services that adhere to stringent data protection standards:

• Google Gemini AI API (Google Cloud): Used to evaluate workplace conversational roleplay and deep linguistic syntax decomposition. Requests sent to the Gemini API contain educational textual prompts and are handled under Google Cloud's enterprise privacy terms without using your data to train public foundation models.
• Google Play Services & Google In-App Update API: Used to manage app distribution, secure in-app updates, and licensing.

5. What We DO NOT Collect or Share

• We do not collect precise GPS location data.
• We do not access your device contacts, SMS, call logs, camera, or photo gallery.
• We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to commercial advertising networks or data brokers.
• We do not employ third-party behavioral ad trackers.

6. Data Security & Encryption

All communications between the Bhashadoot mobile application, the web portal, and backend servers are strictly encrypted in transit using Transport Layer Security (TLS 1.2 / TLS 1.3) via HTTPS. Administrative access to databases and backend services is guarded by multi-factor authentication and strict role-based access control.

7. Data Retention & User Deletion Rights

Learning progress data stored locally on your device can be permanently erased at any time by clearing the application storage via Android Settings > Apps > Bhashadoot > Storage > Clear Data, or by uninstalling the app.

If you wish to request deletion of any telemetry or account-associated information held on our servers, you may send a deletion request to: giti073@vppup.in. Requests are processed within 15 business days.

8. Children's Privacy

Bhashadoot is an educational platform aimed at vocational trainees, ITI students, and adult workers preparing for international employment. It is not marketed towards children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal identifiable information from children under 13. If you believe that a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately for prompt deletion.

9. Compliance with Google Play Policies

This Privacy Policy strictly complies with:

• Google Play Developer Distribution Agreement
• Google Play User Data Policy & Permissions Policy
• Google Play Families Policy

10. Updates to This Policy

We may update our Privacy Policy periodically to reflect enhancements in our app or regulatory changes. Any modifications will be posted directly on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this page regularly.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy or your data, please contact our official privacy team: